I rewired the transformer per Pete and Tony (thanks guys!)
and replaced all of the electrolytic caps in the power supply.
Looking at the Sorcerer One schematics and confirmed on the
board, there is a big 10-watt resistor across the +5 regulator
like the Altair 680 PS so I tested with the dummy load I made
for the 680. All voltages were spot-on.
Close examination of the logic board didn't show anything that
looked bad so I hooked up a small LCD test display, held my
breath and turned it on. I assumed I would get a screen full
of garbage if anything, but it turns out the little display can
detect and show PAL. The Sorcerer is up 100 percent.
The RAM/stack report in the monitor start message indicates that
the full 48K is there. I did some random poking around and the
RAM looks basically functional.
With my luck running this good, I went ahead and powered down
and inserted the BASIC "8-track" ROM cartridge. Powered back up
and there was Standard BASIC, fully operational.
So, it looks like I have a lot less to do with this machine than
I thought. I do want to convert the unit back to NTSC and I
have not tested the serial or cassette ports though.
Anyway, I'm going to do some cosmetics next. The keyboard is
filthy, so a disassembly and wash is in order. Next, most of the
perforated metal ventilation panels have fallen out. I have them
all. It looks like they were glued in place with hot-melt glue.
Is that how they were originally attached?
Bill